It takes the average reader 2 hours and 55 minutes to read The Naturalist by Brendan Atkins
Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more
For lovers of natural history, this is the first book to explore Allan Riverstone McCulloch’s scientific genius, artistic talents and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. Allan Riverstone McCulloch (1885–1925) was a leading scientist and talented illustrator, the Australian Museum’s most senior curator and its star exhibition designer. So why has history ignored his many contributions? A free spirit and an expert on Australia’s fish species, McCulloch was happiest collecting specimens on field trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island and beyond. He escaped office politics at the museum to accompany cinematographer Frank Hurley on an expedition to tropical Papua in 1922, but controversy erupted when officials accused them of stealing sacred artefacts. The trip also left McCulloch with dysentery and malaria, and his mental health declined. In The Naturalist, Brendan Atkins explores McCulloch’s scientific genius and artistic talents, and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. It’s a revealing and unflinching look at the remarkable life of a brilliant yet troubled scientist ‘An artist, a pioneering biologist, and someone who helped make our cherished Australian Museum one of the greatest in the world. At last, his enthralling story is being told.’ — Robyn Williams ‘Brendan Atkins’ book is a labour of love, a meticulously researched account of the life of Allan McCulloch, a senior and controversial figure at Sydney’s Australian Museum and one of the world’s leading ichthyologists or fish biologists. It chronicles his field work adventures across the Pacific and informs us about a myriad of topics along the way, from taxidermy and dioramas to the ongoing problem of museums and their often-plundered objects. McCulloch led a troubled life, something this book describes with honesty and insight. He was also an accomplished artist, studying under Julian Ashton; the remarkable sketches and paintings of species reproduced here indicate his complete dedication to his craft.’ — Ken Gelder is co-author of The Colonial Kangaroo Hunt (2020) and a Professor of English at the University of Melbourne 'A fascinating biography of a fascinating man; one who was a naturalist, adventurer, artist, and a genius who found his greatest struggle was to deal with his own demons.' — Louis Nowra 'A wonderful biography that takes us into the intricate and astonishing world of the natural history museum 100 years ago. Brendan Atkins recovers an important curator, the enigmatic and talented Allan McCulloch, with insight, humour and sensitivity. Along the way, he teases out distinctions between stealing and collecting, guilt and hubris, despair and genius.' — Cathy Perkins, author of The Shelf Life of Zora Cross ‘This fascinating story of a talented naturalist and his unravelling is also a portrait of the colonial madness of museums and collecting.’ — Delia Falconer
The Naturalist by Brendan Atkins is 173 pages long, and a total of 43,769 words.
This makes it 58% the length of the average book. It also has 53% more words than the average book.
The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 3 hours and 59 minutes to read The Naturalist aloud.
The Naturalist is suitable for students ages 10 and up.
Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.
When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.
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